794 AC Off-Highway Truck Caterpillar

1. Prepare the machine for maintenance. Refer to Operation and Maintenance Manual, "Prepare the Machine for Maintenance".
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   Illustration 1	g03794806
   (1) Steering cylinder (2) Tie rod (3) Steering arm

2. Attach the magnetic base of a 8T-5096 Dial Indicator Group to one end of the tie rod. The dial indicator will allow the horizontal movement in the spherical bearing and pin joints to be measured.

3. Measure the amount of horizontal movement in the spherical bearing and pin joints on the tie rod end. Measuring the amount of horizontal movement is done by placing the dial indicator against the side of the steering arm.

   Note: The amount of vertical movement in the joint does not directly indicate excessive wear. Vertical movement measurement is not needed.

4. Set the dial indicator to zero.

5. Steer the front wheels in both directions. Record the amount of horizontal movement in both directions from the dial indicator. The dial indicator indicates the amount of wear in the spherical bearings.

   Note: It is only necessary to move the steering wheel in each direction enough to absorb any slack in the spherical bearing and pin joint. When the front wheels have moved any amount each direction, the steering linkage has moved enough to register the horizontal wear on the dial indicator.

6. Repeat this procedure in order to measure the amount of movement at the other end of the tie rod (2) and both ends of each steering cylinder (1).

7. The maximum amount of horizontal movement is 1.05 mm (0.041 inch). If any of the measurements exceed this limit, replace the worn spherical bearings and pins.

   Note: The maximum amount of horizontal movement is the total movement added together from turning the wheels in both directions for each joint location.

8. Visually inspect the steering arms, tie rod yokes, and tie rod for cracks. If necessary, use dye penetrant to confirm the presence of any suspected cracks. If a crack is confirmed, replace the damaged part immediately.

9. Inspect steering arm studs and nuts. Inspect tie rod yoke bolts. Replace worn or damaged components. Retighten loose components using the proper torque, if components and the mating components are not worn or damaged.

10. Inspect all grease fittings and seals. Inspect all remaining linkage components. Replace any worn components and any damaged components.

    Note: Properly lubricate the steering linkage in order to ensure the durability of components. The steering linkage must be free of contaminants in order to ensure the durability of components.

For more information on the inspection or replacement of the steering linkage, contact your Cat dealer.